Acquired platelet function defect

Definition

Acquired platelet function defects are conditions that prevent clotting elements in the blood called platelets from working as they should. The term "acquired" means these conditions are not present at birth.

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at the cause of the problem.

Bone marrow disorders are treated with platelet transfusions or removing platelets from the blood (platelet pheresis). Chemotherapy is can used to treat an underlying condition that is causing the problem.

Platelet function defects caused by kidney failure are treated with dialysis or a drug called desmopressin (ddAVP).

Platelet problems caused by a certain medicine are treated by stopping the drug.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most of the time, treating the cause of the problem corrects the defect.